Lincoln Elementary

Lincoln as a community school

Lincoln became a United Way Community School in 2022. Lincoln focuses on reducing absenteeism, supporting trauma-informed education, and expanding student leadership opportunities. The school also prioritizes stakeholder appreciation, family engagement, and enriching out-of-school programming aligned with academic goals—all to ensure every student is set up for success in school and life.

Located in a residential area bordered by East 26th to East Grandview and Parade Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, Lincoln Elementary serves as a neighborhood anchor, despite nearby high-traffic roads like East Avenue, 26th, and 38th Streets.

Corporate Partners

keys to success

During the 23-24 school year, Lincoln launched their after-school programming framework, offering two programs per quarter. Over the course of the year, 47 unique students participated in enrichment programming, and the average attendance across all programs was 88%. This was a milestone moment for Lincoln, as students and families have been requesting more opportunities since Lincoln launched as a community school. After-school programming is a vital key to keeping students engaged and connected to school!

93 % Economically Disadvantaged

7.1 % English Language Learner

3.3 % Homeless

20.8 % Special Education

meet the director

LIZ NIES

Liz Nies is an Erie native with a passion for community building, family engagement and advocating for social and economic justice.

She attended John Carroll University where she received a bachelor's degree in sociology, with minors in political science and peace, justice and human rights. Liz returned to Erie to obtain her masters degree in social work and recently became a licensed social worker in the state of Pennsylvania. Liz has worked part-time with the Community School Model at Edison Elementary for several years and has also served as a trauma case manager, working with families and children open with OCY in the Erie area.

Liz is a strong believer in positive transformation that can occur when a holistic approach is used to support children's education, and she cannot wait to be part of Lincoln's mission!

Lincoln Elementary School Photo Gallery

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Thursday Apr 10th, 2025

How Community Schools Are Breaking Down Barriers to Learning

Community Schools are not just places where kids go to learn math and reading. They are schools that work with families and the whole community to support kids in every way. In this article, we’ll explore what Community Schools are, how they help kids, and why they are so important for breaking down learning barriers.

Thursday Apr 10th, 2025

Meet the Backbone: How United Way Leads Community Schools in Erie

When people think of a school, they usually picture students, teachers, and principals. But what if we told you there is a whole team working behind the scenes to make sure students get what they need to succeed? That team is led by United Way, and their job is to support something called a "Community School."

Friday Dec 13th, 2024

Erie High Updates as a United Way Community School

Erie High, one of the newest United Way community schools, is already making remarkable strides in creating a supportive and thriving environment for students, staff, and families.

2025 COMMUNITY SCHOOL CONFERENCE - REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!